Archive for the ‘Boston Accommodations’ Category

Winter presents a wonderful opportunity to explore Boston. Bed and Breakfasts and Vacation Rentals are priced at affordable winter rates and you can stay within steps to the Freedom Trail and Copley Place. There are many Boston Events and winter activities happening for the holiday season and New Year.

We have private apartments in the North End, South End and Historic Charlestown with special deals for nightly and/or weekly stays in December where you can enjoy easy access to many of these wonderful winter attractions. If you prefer a Bed and Breakfast, Abigayle’s in Kenmore Square will welcome you after a chilly day exploring to their warm and comfortable accommodations, all within a short walk or metro stop to a variety of winter events.

BOSTON WINTER – Boston City Hall Plaza – November 27 – March 31 -An winter mix of outdoor activities, includes a unique reconfigured outdoor ice skating path custom designed to weave around the marquee “Boston” sign. Skate rentals are available and path is open through February. Outdoor Holiday Market has boutique style chalets with a wide variety of local and international gifts, goods and food. There will be local artists’ performances, an enchanted Christmas tree maze, a Santa House, a Bavarian Village, and Vinopolis an interactive wine and beer experience.

HISTORIC HOLIDAY STROLLS – Freedom Trail – November 30 – January 28 – Led by 19th-century Dickensian costumed guides departing from the Arts Boston Booth at Faneuil Hall, the Strolls are a tour of holiday lights and Christmas trees along the Freedom Trail and an exclusive visit to the Omni Parker House for signature refreshments and world-famous Boston Cream Pie. These merry 90-minute tours are a perfect way to celebrate the holidays. Strolls offered Thursdays through Sundays at 3:30pm from November through January and may be booked as a private family or group tour.
MENORAH LIGHTING IN COPLEY SQUARE – December 12 – 20

THE BOSTON BALLET’S: The Nutcracker – Boston Opera House – November 27 – December 31
Enter the magical world of brave toy soldiers and dancing snowflakes and follow Clara as she embarks on her journey filled with colorful characters, breathtaking costumes, and majestic scenery. From the captivating dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy to the iconic snow scene, this enchanting classical ballet – set to the beloved music of Tchaikovsky- continues to enthrall audiences of all ages.

2017 HOLIDAY POPS – Boston Symphony Orchestra – December 5-31
Join conductor Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops at the historic Symphony Hall in a performance of holiday music favorites, the traditional Pops sing-along, and a visit from Santa Claus. Decorated to evoke the magic and charm of the season-where Pops patrons sit at cabaret-style tables and order food and drink with family and friends, all while taking in the music and entertainment.

THE CHRISTMAS REVELS:– Harvard University Sanders Theatre, Cambridge – December 8- 27
A holiday tradition since 1971, The Christmas Revels is a theatrical celebration of the winter solstice that travels the world showcasing cultural traditions including music, dance, folktales and rituals. This year we explore the magical city of Venice, featuring luscious music, tricky sets, gorgeous costumes, superb musical guests, a tuneful dancing chorus and street kids who sing like angels.
NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION – Copley Square – December 31, 2017
Free and open to all. Entertainment and attractions are in Copley Square and the Back Bay. Traditions include the People’s Procession at 6:00pm, fantastic ice sculptures, light displays and 7:00 PM Family Fireworks in Boston Common, signature Copley Countdown pyrotechnics and light show is in Copley Square at midnight.

Boston offers a variety of amazing New England experiences in the Summer. Whether it’s eating great food, experiencing a festival, shopping local artists or taking a ferry to visit the Boston Harbor Islands, marine life or the Cape, Boston has all this to offer and more, whether you are looking for a romantic or family getaway.
North End Feasts
For more than 90 years residents of the North End have held festivals to honor the patron saints of different regions in Italy. These festivals, also known as feasts, take place five late summer weekends and spill out into the streets. It is a mix of modern carnival midway fun and pageantry. The food, fun and music all make for a memorable summer night with someone special or the whole family.

Dine Out Boston – August 6-11 and August 13-18
A wonderful opportunity to experience some of the best restaurants Boston has to offer at affordable set prices with fixed menus for lunch and dinner. Lunch menus are $15, $20 or $25 and Dinner menus are $28, $33 or $38. You can choose your favorite cuisine, chef, location or price point if you need help deciding.

SoWa Open Market – In the South End– Saturday and Sunday, April 29 – October 29 10am – 4pm
This open outdoor market features local curated artists selling jewelry, paintings, apparel, home goods, photography, ceramics and more; joined by local farmers, chefs and bakers selling a variety of homemade goodies; as well as iconic food trucks offering a variety of culinary creations.

Boston Harbor Islands by Ferry
Six harbor islands are accessible by a seasonal ferry service where you can experience beaches, wildlife, history, bird watching and more. Bring a picnic or purchase food (on the islands that serve). Other islands can be reached on certain days and some for private tours.

Whale watch
Get out on the water and your chances are good to see several different species of large whales, including humpbacks, finbacks, minkes, pilot whales and critically endangered right whales. You may also view dolphins, sea birds and seals all just a short boat ride out of Boston.

Cape Cod by Ferry – Boston to Provincetown
Visit Provincetown, one of Cape Cod’s oldest settlements, by taking a beautiful 90 minute ferry ride, just getting there can be half the fun! This outer Cape Cod town is a natural treasure marked by magnificent miles of beaches with sand dunes and crashing waves. There is a multitude of fun shopping, restaurants, bars and nightlife all with a bohemian character of its own.

Traveling can cost a bundle: when you figure in airfare, lodging, food and attractions, the costs can seem overwhelming. And Boston is an expensive city. Fear not! Here are some great tips for saving money when staying in Boston…

1. Forgo expensive hotels and rent a furnished apartment. This especially makes sense when traveling as a family or with friends. One of the many perks of renting an apartment is that you’ll experience the city as a resident instead of a tourist, in a residential neighborhood, among the locals. While most hotels in the city will cost you well over $300/night per room, you’ll be able to find comfortable apartments in most areas of the city (North End, Back Bay, South End, Beacon Hill, etc) for half the cost.

2. Eat like a Bostonian. Some of the best food in the city can be found at food trucks and ethnic hold-in-the-walls that don’t cost a fortune. Chinatown is chock full of delicious little restaurants that offer dim sum (yummy appetizer-like dishes typically eaten for lunch) and authentic Asian cuisine. The North End has many restaurants that offer traditional and modern Italian food for cheap (as well as fine dining). You’ll find food trucks all around the city, such as Copley Square. And if you’re staying at an apartment instead of a hotel, simply load up the fridge and eat breakfast at home for pennies while you save your money for lunch and dinner.

3. Travel off season. There are some key dates to avoid, as accommodation rates soar during those times. Save money and don’t travel during: April 18 – 21 (the Marathon), mid May through early June (college graduation season) and October 16 – 19 (Head of the Charles Regatta in Cambridge). And if you are an adventurer with an open mind, consider visiting Boston in December, January, February or March, when rates will be rock bottom.

4. Forgo major league sports. An afternoon watching the Sox at Fenway can cost you upwards of $200 per person if you figure in parking, food and ticket. However, you can attend a wonderful college or minor league game for a fraction of that cost. Go ahead and experience Fenway through an off hours tour, then escape the insanity before the game begins.

5. Forgo a rental car. Boston is a small city, and you can experience most of it by subway and foot. That stereotype of the aggressive and inept Boston driver? It’s spot-on. And Boston streets, most of which were built on former cow paths, are confusing, to say the least. One way streets are common, as are rotaries and missing street signs. When you’re done driving, you’ll have to find a parking spot, which will be next to impossible to find. Want to park in a lot or garage? Be prepared to spend about $30/day. Trust us, you don’t want to deal with a car in the city!

6. Take advantage of discounts for museums and attractions. There are wonderful museums in Boston, but they can cost a small fortune. However, many museums offer big discounts during specific times. For example, The Boston Children’s Museum costs just $1 per person on Friday evenings from 5-9 pm. The Institute of Contemporary Art is free on Thursdays from 5-9 pm and the last Saturday of each month. The Boston City Pass and Go Boston Card (smartdestinations.com) are full of free admissions and discounts. So with a bit of savvy and advance planning, you can save a bundle.

7. Stay in lesser known areas in and near Boston. We all know and love the Back Bay, Beacon Hill and North End. Which is why accommodations in those areas can cost you a pretty penny. The South End is right next to the Back Bay and because it’s not as well known, bargains can be had. Brookline and Cambridge are charming urban towns just outside Boston; they are subway accessible (just minutes away) and boast wonderful shops, restaurants and attractions.

Cambridge is a city of squares — Harvard, Kendall, Central and Inman, to name a few — each with it’s own distinct vibe and interesting mix of shops and restaurants. While you may gravitate to the historic charm of Harvard Square or the bustling energy of Central Square, you could overlook the convenience and affordability of Porter Square. Porter Square is a great option for visitors looking for accommodations, regardless of where they need to be in Cambridge or Boston. Walking distance to Davis Square and one T-stop away from Harvard Square, Porter Square is located on the Red Line and is a short subway ride into downtown Boston. The area is home to some of the best restaurants in Cambridge — The Elephant Walk, Temple Bar and Chez Henri are perennial favorites — and an eclectic mix of locally owned stores like Porter Square Books.

We are always enthusiastic when we recommend a vacation rental or B&B in the Porter Square area and hope you’ll explore this little gem the next time you visit Cambridge. If you’re looking for Porter Square accommodations, here are two we recommend:

If you’re looking at colleges in the Boston area, you’re in good company. Home to more than 50 colleges and 249,000 students, Boston is truly America’s College Town. However, visiting area schools can be daunting and requires some advance planning.

Consider what type of college interests you. A big university or small college? A self-contained campus or urban environment? A world-renowned science program or top-notch music school? Boston offers all of the above! Before you visit, check out a few colleges in your area to get a feel for what type of environment you like. You’ll be able to narrow your focus when you visit Boston and won’t waste time visiting schools that aren’t a good fit.

Plan around peak tourist events. This may be a big city, but there are certain times of the year when finding Boston area accommodations can be challenging and cost-prohibitive. Avoid visiting during the Boston Marathon (mid-April), college graduations (mid-May), fall foliage season and the Head of the Charles regatta (mid-October).

Leave the car at home. One of the best things about visiting and living in the Boston area is its great public transportation system. On the flipside, traffic and navigating through the city can be a nightmare for out-of-towners. Try to plan your visit without driving everywhere and book accommodations in a central location. Stay in a vacation rental apartment in Back Bay or Cambridge and take the “T” to the campuses you’re visiting.

Plan for changing weather. As the saying goes, if you don’t like the weather in New England, wait a minute. This is especially true in the spring and fall. It can be 50 degrees one day in April and 80 degrees the next, so plan accordingly.

Talk to as many people as you can. Seek out students on campus for directions and ask lots of questions. Every student you talk to will have a different experience and different perspective to share. Try staying at a bed and breakfast or small inn near one of the campuses you’re visiting. Your hosts can offer a wealth of insider information and give you a sense of what it’s like to live in this great city!

As a business traveler, you’re probably accustomed to staying in large, chain hotels with standardized rooms and amenities. Whether you’re in Boston or Barcelona, it all feels the same. But have you ever thought about trying something different? Here are our top five reasons for choosing a vacation rental for your next business trip.

Live like a local. Have you ever glanced out a cab window as you’re passing through a charming neighborhood and wondered what it would be like to live there? Why not rent an apartment in that neighborhood and find out! Odds are, you’ll enjoy being away from the hustle and bustle of the conference hotel or convention center and you’ll feel like you really got to know the city.

Bring your family. It’s frustrating when you travel to a great destination but have to leave your family behind. Staying in a vacation rental offers an affordable way to extend your business trip into a family vacation. Avoid the costs of multiple hotel rooms and enjoy amenities such as a kitchen, free wifi and enough space to spread out.

Pack light. Many vacation rentals have a washer/dryer unit in the apartment or offer access to a laundry room in the building. Avoid extra fees and the inconvenience of checked luggage and pack only what you need for a few days.

Enjoy your own private meeting space. Rather than meeting with your colleagues in a noisy hotel lobby, take advantage of the private, quiet living room in your vacation rental. Stock the kitchen with snacks and get your work done without the interruptions and distractions of meeting in a public place.

Book through a reputable agency and get exactly what you want. Most cities have agencies that represent a broad range of vacation rentals and can offer guidance on location, budget and amenities. You’ll end up with accommodations that meet your needs and memories of a great stay!

Choosing a vacation rental over a hotel can be a great way to “live like a local.” But with thousands of vacation rentals by owner listed online, how do you really know what you’re getting? There are no guarantees in life, but there are certain steps you can take to find great vacation rentals and avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Find a local vacation rental agency that represents properties in the specific area you’ll be visiting, and make sure the agency inspects all the properties they represent. Booking a vacation rental property through an agency offers assurance that the property will be clean and well-maintained. You’ll also be able to choose from a greater selection of vacation rental homes and apartments.

Research your destination before you book anything. If you’re planning a beach vacation, how far will you have to walk to get to the beach every day? If you’re visiting a city, make sure you book a vacation rental apartment in a safe neighborhood, near the sites you want to see or accessible to public transportation.

Pay attention to square footage! City apartments in particular can be tiny, even if they offer two bedrooms. Figure out how much space your family really needs to be happy on vacation.

Determine what things are essential for your comfort and convenience. Amenities offered in vacation rentals by owner can vary greatly, so consider whether you’ll need features like high speed internet access, cable TV, central air or a full kitchen.

Before you book, make sure you’ll have 24 hour access to help in case of an emergency. If the property owner isn’t local, they should have a property management service available. This is another good reason to book through a vacation rental agency. When the water heater bursts in the middle of the night, you want to know who to call!

Bed and Breakfast Associates Bay Colony

Looking for a place to stay in Boston? No problem! We represent over 150 Boston B&Bs, vacation rentals, and furnished apartments in the heart of the city, waterfront, and surrounding neighborhoods to meet every budget. Visit us online today and book your Boston accommodation.